Solid Gold Sorors

The Deltas reach out to new generations of students.

If you don't recognize the woman in the purple hat on the new Black Heritage postage stamp, the 125 members of the Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta are happy to explain: Dorothy Height (1912-2010) was a civil rights icon, the president of the National Council of Negro Women, an organizer of the 1963 March on Washington--and a "Delta."

Founded at Howard University in 1913 "to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to those in need," the sorority has more than half a million living alumnae. Local physician Dorian Moore recalls how inspiring it was to be recognized by the group as a senior at Pioneer in 1983; she joined the sorority at Spelman College, returned to Ann Arbor for med school, and, like many Deltas, remains active as an alumna.

The local chapter raises funds to give ten $1,000 scholarships annually. The Deltas' "Solid Gold in Education" award ceremony on May 19 will also recognize eighth-grade girls with certificates and gift cards. "Many of them must navigate through many difficult circumstances," Moore writes, and the Deltas want them thinking ahead to college "as they are on the cusp of exploring their independence and making decisions about their future." Dorothy Height would approve.